kamicola

As for the socks... they came off after I was up and walking for a day....the walking is good for the clotting as well, so if you do a lot of it, I am not sure why you have too keep them on... that would drive me crazy! As for the dressings.... the steristrips can be quite irritating... my husband got huge blisters from them that took longer to heal than the incisions. Showering was the day after surgery, not baths or hot tubs for 4-6 weeks though. Just gently clean the incisions with soap and warm Water in the shower, then apply polysporin and latex free bandaids... although I stil have bandaid rings around my incisions... my steristrips came off within 3-4 days I think after surgery and I only wore bandaids for about a week... then I rubbed coconut oil on them morning and night for about 2 weeks... they look great!, The healed wonderful and the coconut helps speed up the scare healing process... it could take about a year or so to lighten. Hope this helps! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/302/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

USE COCONUT OIL on your skin! Be consistent and rub it on 3-4 times during the day and right before bed.... unless you are allergic to coconut which not very many truly are. I have seen it help several skin conditions.... and if you are having an allergic reaction, it will still help... it is hyperallergenic. You can buy it at most health food stores... or online... it works wonders and your body will also benefit from it internally. I swear by it... if you want more info...let me know! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/302/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

My experience too was fantastic at Hospital Angeles with Dr. Kuri.... the only thing you need to do if you go out of country for surgery is make sure you have a support system and aftercare where you live or you have financially prepared for returning to Mexico for all aftercare.... but besides that... excellent care and I would do it the same way again if I had to! It's a 25ish minute laproscopic surgery... and it costs almost 20,000 up here in Seattle... a littls rediculous... especially if they release you a few hours later... at least I felt like I got my $7,500 worth down there! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/302/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

Hi SASK Patient.... My husband, my parents and I were all banded by Dr. Kuri on May 27th and May 29th this year. The only complaint we had was that the beds at the hotel were rock solid hard. Besides that, everything really went flawless. Dr. Kuri is fabulous and down to earth. If you want to know anything, I would be glad to share... I can walk you through what it will be like from the moment you arrive in San Diego (I am assuming you will fly in there) until you leave. I am so happy with my decision to be banded. Good luck to you and again, if you want any info on what it is really like when you get there and what will be happening.... no one tells you really what it is like..... then I would be glad to share! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/302/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

This is just speaking for me personally... I have four scars about 1 inch long.... then the port scar is about 2 inches... I rub coconut oil on them daily and they are doing well after 5 weeks... they actually looked great after 2 weeks.. coconut oil has antibiotic effects and is hyperallergenic and heals from the inside out and does help with scaring... I am a health nut and don't like to put anything on my body unless it is edible as those other things are chemicals and your skin absorbs it... this is just my personal opinion... coconut oil works wonders! Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

Not all surgeries, elective or not are successful with everyone that has them... that is the damn luck of the draw. I am sorry you went through all that you did and hope you find your path of happiness and success. I too went with my husband and parents at the end of May to Dr. Kuri and we all had very successful surgeries and are having continued success and are happy with our decision to go to him. We had no safety issues in TJ Mexico and the hospital was fabulous. Dr. Kuri will take the time to talk to you and help you resolve this issue... I am not sure the outcome will be exactly what you want, but I do believe he will work with you the best he can to help you resolve it. You do sound very bitter and very angry and I hope you have worked on resolving those issues as well.... I don't mean to offend,but it is just how your words came across to me. Good luck in finding your answers and solutions. Kamm in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

Do youself a favor quickly... do a little research... not all gallbladder surgeries are necessary... actually it is a very common practice to remove a gallbladder when someone has gallbladder stones, but I know that there are sometimes ways to clear it up without surgery... your doctor most likely won't tell you what to do that is alternative... so do research on your own... or look quickly for a naturalpathic doctor.... there are cleanses out there that disolve gallbladder stones pretty quickly.... I am not recommending anything.... but I know unless the gallbladder is greatly infected throughout, there may be other options... removing body organs is never a good thing in my mind.... do yourself a favor and check out other alternatives, even if you end up with a decision that is similar to what you started with, at least you know you researched and made the best decision for yourself... .... PLEASE! Kammi in Everett, WA

I'll do what I can to help... maybe just talking about health and how to be successful.... I am a health fanatic in a fat body... trying to get to the point of having those two things match.... I was banded 5/27/08 with my husband and my parents in TJ Mexico.... it was a great experience... and so far for me it has been bery successful.... down 30 pounds since 2 weeks prior to surgery.... and am feeling great. My diabetes is in remission and so many other things that are making me feel great are happening... I am very motivated to be healthy... if I can help you I will! Kammi in Everett, WA

my husband and I were banded on May 27... my parents were banded on May 29.... however they do not go online... maybe the 27th is close enough.... ? I would be willing to keep in touch on progress.... interested? Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

Yes, being too tight can cause this definately.... but being too tight also causes the acid reflux which is what I think this might be.... with a slight unfill, I sure hope your problem is resolved... how uncomfortable. Kammi in Everett, WA

Please do go see your doctor... a lot of banded individuals do get acid reflux for a variety of reasons... eating too close to bed time, eating the wrong things, medications at bedtime, etc. Acid Reflux in banded individuals can lead quickly to aspirating pneumonia and is very dangerous. Seven weeks is WAY TOO LONG to have been dealing with this... I can't remember if this leads to banding complications or not, but you definately need to see your doctor ASAP! Even if you try the other things, you still need to see your doctor to let them know you are dealing with this problem, it could be serious. Kammi in Evertt, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

It was great for me.... for a few reasons.... one, I got into the "last supper" mode, eating everything in sight for about a month as soon as I found out for sure I was getting surgery.... then... after feeling so icky due to eating things I usually didn't eat, I was yearning for the pre-op diet... although mine wasn't all liquids, it made me feel so much better and I lost 8 pounds! It was great to do it.... for Breakfast and lunch it was high protein/low carb shakes and bars, pretty much as many as you wanted, although one of each usually filled me up for at least 3 hours and I would have another drink or bar for a snack if I couldn't make it to the next meal. Also was drinking tons of Water which helped keep me full (a bug key in after surgery too!). Then for dinner I could have as much of lean Protein I wanted (chicken, turkey, tuna fish, fish, etc.) and then 1 cup of steamed veggies and a cup or 2 of salad with low carb dressing (ranch or blue cheese) OR a cup of cottage cheese. I was never hungry, got my eating back on track and didn't feel cheated at all.... I have done this before, put my body into ketosis.... it really did make me feel great, I know it doesn't make others feel as good. It also prepared me for how to eat healthier once I was banded 5/27/08. Since surgery I am off all diabetic meds, blood sugars are normal and have lost 25 pounds (30 total since pre-op diet started). Good luck to all of you! It was a breeze... I went to Mexico and all went excellent... I would do it exactly the same again if I had to! Kammi in Everett, WA DOB 5/27/08 335/302/180 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

Sorry Kat225.... there was a post from a whacko in Mexico that was posting all over this site some bad information about banding and aftercare services... he must have gotten booted along with all of his posts... so it appeared that your post was the one I was referring too... sorry, my post had nothing to do with yours... just trying to inform others of the craziness in that other person's post... sorry sorry sorry.....!!!! What you had to say was very informative and good advice! Kammi in Everett, Wa

I found this great website that should answer your questions.... I even saved the link as a lot of other people have asked me about it and this is a nice place to learn about it.... hope this helps. http://www.vitamedica.com/html/faqam.html Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DBO 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

I would agree a supplement is good while on liquids or mushy.... although during those temporary stages, it is not as crucial to watch Protein and Fiber or calories.... but sometimes we all need a supplement... the Kellog's drink is a good thing to carry in your purse for those days when you just can't consume it and you need a way to get it in. Kammi Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

Here are some links that you can check out as well as one of the links is for Amazon.com which has some great books you can order... I have read most of them at least twice.... wonderful stuff coconut oil is.... I don't know if I think it is a cure all, but I do think it is a wonder food and use it daily and get great health benefits... I consume it as well as apply it on my skin... as far as the Arnica.... I took it a week prior to surgery and a week after... hardly any pain at all with or after surgery. Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico COCONUT OIL LINKS<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/coconut-oil.htm<o:p></o:p> http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/coconut_oil_healthy.htm<o:p></o:p> http://www.thaifoodandtravel.com/features/cocgood.html<o:p></o:p> http://www.risingstarlc.com/coconut.pdf<o:p></o:p> http://www.coconutdiet.com/thyroid_health.htm?gad&gclid=CNyIovLyj5QCFQ-kiQodfUhfgg<o:p></o:p> http://www.coconut-info.com/coconut_oil_why_it_is_good_for_you.htm<o:p></o:p> http://www.piccadillybooks.com/coconut-oil-miracle.htm<o:p></o:p> http://www.coconutoil.com/<o:p></o:p> http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/coconut_oil.html<o:p></o:p> http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/nutrition/coconut.htm<o:p></o:p> http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/<o:p></o:p> http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil.html<o:p></o:p> [ame=http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-1668555-9489558?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Coconut+Oil+Miracle]http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/104-1668555-9489558?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=The+Coconut+Oil+Miracle[/ame]<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>

Don't pay attention to this last post... it's posted on many threads... I was banded in Mexico... luckily I have a fill center just north of me 15 minutes.... I do believe it is crucial to make sure that if you go out of country for your surgery or even out of state.... that you have your aftercare providers all set up and ready to go before your surgery. Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

It's really best that you get your Protein (60-90 grams per day) and fiber (35-40 grams per day) from solid foods. supplements are ok when necessary, but it is best if you can consume foods that are healthy with these essential nutrients in them....I gave a link below that has some foods and their fiber content.... Beans are usually a good source and my hubby and I (both banded 5/27/08) eat one cup of Kashi Go Lean Cereal each day and that 1 cup has 10 grams of fiber in it and 13 grams of protein... you will get more protein if you have it with milk... cottage cheese is a great one for protein and coconut and coconut flour have large amounts of fiber in them as well (4 times that of oat bran). I find that I am much more regular and gut feels so much better when I actually eat the solid foods instead of using a supplement, it's better on your body too.... but I know sometimes there is a need, but just my opinion. Fiber Content Chart Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

This guy is on a roll, responding everywhere... don't respond to him or feed into it. Regarding the explanation of what is happening.... your stoma is at the bottom of your esophogus... it is the opening into your new pouch. When you take too big of bites or eat too fast or eat the wrong things (things that may be gummy like bread or dry like dry meats), they do usually get through your esophogus, but then get stuck at that opening.... which is the size of a baby aspirin... so if you are eating the right things.. band friendly foods, taking bites the size of peas, and chewing 15-20 times with each bite before swallowing, there shouldn't be an issue unless you are too tight with a fill. I would recommend that you try drinking a warm/hot cup of tea or Water right before eating... the warmth will relax your stoma making it a little easier for foods to go down... but following the band rules is essential for overall and long term band heath. Hope this helps. Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

what the heck was that last post? Don't feed into it. Kammi in Everett, WA

I too, along with my hubby and parents (who were banded at the same time) all too Arnica... helped heal fast, no pain with healing either! Good for you! Bobbi.... as you again can tell, I am a big fan of coconut oil, but it is EXCELLENT for gut issues.... please read up on it... it may be something you are interested in....

Also.... if you are not allergic to coconut milk.... that is a great alternative for a milk substitute like with cereal.... it is super good for you and it is hyperallergenic so great with people with dairy sensativities or allergic to milk or such.... I drink it with my Go Lean daily.... it is delicious..... one can of coconut milk, half can Water, 2 tablespoons sweetner (I use Xylitol) and a few dashes of salt! Try it if you like! As you can tell from my few posts.... I am a huge proponent of coconut and coconut oil and such! Kammi

Nice to meet you..... do you know anything about coconut oil? It is great for arthritis... and inflammation issues... if you want more info let me know.... i have some websites and book resources if you are interested. Can't wait to talk more! Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

I think you are fine... you don't have any restriction right now at all so you should be able to drink a lot.... that is great! Feel lucky as some can't. With fills, you may have more restriction and it may become more difficult.... I don't have any problems with liquids, I can chug them down quickly... I am 4 weeks post op.... but my issue is getting to a meal time and having forgot to drink, so I have to postpone my meal until I get down a glass or two... I am getting better though! I do get down 80-100 oz. no problem. Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico

I was banded 5/27/08.... lost 10 pounds prior to diet on pre-op... and 20 pounds since surgery. I am still losing 1-2 pounds per week, sometimes more.... for the first two weeks after surgery, I didn't and couldn't eat too much.... but now after all the swelling is down, I am definately eating more... not nearly as much as I used to prior to banding, but more than I was.... I would say 1200-1800 calories per day with zero restriction.. I can eat anything I want, although I make smart choices and stay away from things that are not beneficial for me.... 60-70 grams of Protein a day, and 35-40 grams of Fiber a day are a must! I know in a few weeks I will be getting a fill... don't know how much more restriction I will have, but will start really focussing on portion control more... I really figure as long as I am losing and eating healthy things.... then I am ok and don't have to watch calories as closely as I will soon. Hope that helps. If you are super morbidly obese, over 300 pounds I would say you will need more calories at first or your body will think it is starving and then you won't lose or might regain.... as you lose, you can eat less calories... but if you don't eat 1000-1200 a day, you may not lose as fast or as much as you like because of the starvation issue..... you have to get a minimum amount of calories.... the less is not the better. Kammi in Everett, WA 335/302/180 DOB 5/27/08 Dr. Kuri - TJ Mexico